Top "Computer-architecture" questions

The hardware microarchitecture (x86, x86_64, ARM, ...) of a CPU or microcontroller.

C volatile variables and Cache Memory

Cache is controlled by cache hardware transparently to processor, so if we use volatile variables in C program, how is …

c computer-science volatile computer-architecture memorycache
Interrupt masking: why?

I was reading up on interrupts. It is possible to suspend non-critical interrupts via a special interrupt mask. This is …

operating-system computer-architecture interrupt
What happens when a computer program runs?

I know the general theory but I can't fit in the details. I know that a program resides in the …

c++ memory operating-system x86 computer-architecture
What does 'dirty-flag' / 'dirty-values' mean?

I see some variables named 'dirty' in some source code at work and some other code. What does it mean? …

caching computer-architecture dirty-data
implementing a processor ( mips single cycle )

i have a mini project , in this project i need to implement a MIPS single cycle processor by Verilog. here …

verilog computer-architecture mips32
What are stalled-cycles-frontend and stalled-cycles-backend in 'perf stat' result?

Does anybody know what is the meaning of stalled-cycles-frontend and stalled-cycles-backend in perf stat result ? I searched on the internet …

linux performance optimization computer-architecture cpu-architecture
Why is the JVM stack-based and the Dalvik VM register-based?

I'm curious, why did Sun decide to make the JVM stack-based and Google decide to make the DalvikVM register-based? I …

jvm dalvik cpu-registers computer-architecture vm-implementation
Difference between ISR and Function Call?

I want to understand difference between ISR (Interrupt Service Routine) and Function call. I feel both the function call and …

operating-system embedded computer-architecture function-calls isr
32 vs 64 bit...or, what exactly does 'processing information' mean

I am having trouble understanding the difference between a 32 bit processor and 64 bit processor. I know that a 32 bit processor …

memory operating-system processor computer-architecture